IT announcements

IT administrators will be moving winapps.umt.edu to the new data center on Tuesday, March 31, between 6:30 am and 7:00 am. Content located on the following will be unavailable during this time:

Student email gateway

www.umt.edu/winapps

winapps.umt.edu

www.umt.edu/media

wtsiisprod1.gs.umt.edu

Tuesday, March 31 – 6:30 am - 7:00 am: video gateway upgrade

IT network administrators will be upgrading the video gateway Tuesday, March 31, between 6:30 am and 7 am. Part of the upgrade process involves "unregistering" currently registered video endpoints. We expect these endpoints will re-register themselves when the gatekeeper again becomes available. The upgrade process takes ~15 minutes. If, after the upgrade process, you have problems with any registered video device, please confirm it is registered with the gatekeeper, and if it hasn't re-registered itself, try to again register it with the gatekeeper (video.umt.edu, or 10.10.43.249). If you have any problems with this, please contact IT Central at 406-243-4357. IT will notify campus when the upgrade is complete.

Wednesday, April 1 - 7:00 am – 7:30 am: apps.umt.edu unavailable

IT administrators will be moving apps.umt.edu to the new data center on Wednesday, April 1, between 7:00 am and 7:30 am. Content located on the following will be unavailable during this time:

Apps.umt.edu

www.umt.edu/apps

Thursday, April 2 – 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm: DFS file share unavailable

The DFS (\\gs\dfs) file share will be unavailable on Thursday, April 2, beginning at 5:00pm until approximately 11:00pm, as IT continues to move equipment into the new data center. If you have folders or files located within this file share, please plan accordingly as they will be inaccessible during this time. As a reminder, secure file storage and sharing is available through UM Box. If you have files located on the DFS share, it’s a good time to permanently relocate them to Box. More about UM Box is available on the IT website at: http://www.umt.edu/it/support/box/default.php.

On March 11 and 12, we experienced authentication issues within our Microsoft environment. The issues were caused by automatic updates supplied by Microsoft. Our domain controllers received the updates and applied patch KB3002657. As the day went on, issues worsened because the domain controllers don’t all reboot at the same time.

On the afternoon of March 11, we opened a ticket with Microsoft in search of a solution. At the request of Microsoft, we made two changes. Authorization for the Exchange servers was changed to bypass Active Directory authentication and a group policy change was made.

Email that was queued immediately started to flow to the exchange databases, but connections for clients still didn’t work. Microsoft then advised us to back out patch KB3002657 from our domain controllers. This resolved some of the connections issues, but not all. We then reverted the group policy change requested by Microsoft and asked server administrators on campus to force the change through their servers, clearing up the remaining issues.

No email was lost during the two days, and was always available through Outlook Web Access (OWA).

Regarding issues with campus email as well as access to other services/servers, it appears that the issues were caused by a Microsoft update that was applied yesterday. Microsoft has given us a solution, and we have rolled back by removing the update. Most services have returned to normal working order. Remaining services should begin to restore very soon. Please contact IT Central, 406-243-4357, if you have questions or need assistance.

Again, we apologize for the issues that occurred as a result of this Microsoft update.

We are currently experiencing issues with our central email servers that are impacting campus email service. Two issues are occurring: some users are unable to connect to their Outlook clients, and other users are unable to send mail. Our system administrators are working to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please note the following:

Outlook users who are experiencing the inability to connect to their Outlook clients, please use Outlook Web Access (http://messaging.umt.edu) until the issue is resolved.

Those users who are unable to send mail, please be assured that your messages will be stored in your Outbox. The messages will automatically send once the issue is resolved.

UM’s CallPilot voice mail system will be unavailable on Wednesday, March 4, between 6:00 and 9:00 pm so that IT Telecom Services can perform necessary maintenance. All three campuses (Mountain, MC West and MC East) can expect 2 or 3 short outages of 5 to 10 minutes each – starting around 6:00 pm and occurring 2 more times of similar length duration between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. During these brief downtimes new voicemails will not be accepted, and voice menus and access to all voice messages will be unavailable.

The DFS (\\gs\dfs) file share will be unavailable on Monday, February 23, beginning at 5:00pm until approximately 9:00pm, as IT continues to move equipment into the new data center. If you have folders or files located within this file share, please plan accordingly as they will be inaccessible during this time.

As a reminder, secure file storage and sharing is available through UM Box. If you have files located on the DFS share, it’s a good time to permanently relocate them. More about UM Box is available on the IT website at: http://www.umt.edu/it/support/box/default.php.

Information Technology is pleased to announce that the University of Montana now provides Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for free to currently enrolled students through the Microsoft Campus Agreement. Each student may install this software on up to five computers – PC or Mac – and five mobile devices – Apple iOS, Android and Windows Mobile.

Read & Write, Gold is a literacy support toolbar that integrates reading, writing, studying and research tools with common applications like Word, IE (Safari), and Adobe Reader. Want to learn more? Join Tim McHenry, DSS assistive technology coordinator, as he provides a demonstration and overview of Read & Write, Gold. Register for this session through the IT Short Course training program website.

Network service has been restored to Clapp. Power outages also brought down one or more wireless access points in Law, Gallagher and the Performing Arts/Radio-Television Center. Technicians are working on restoring those access points.

Campus experienced several power outages between Friday late afternoon and Sunday evening causing damage to network switches in some buildings, including Skaggs, Anderson Hall, Clapp and Miller Hall. As of 9 a.m. Monday this morning, service has been restored to all but the 4th floor of Clapp. IT Network Services is working on the issue.

STAP (Student Technology Assistants Program) is seeking applications for the 2014-2015 academic year. Working alongside UM departmental IT directors, STAP students assist with departmental technology support. This is a great opportunity for hands-on training to complement your academic career. Further information and application procedures are available at: umt.edu/it/about/jobs/stap.php

Welcome to the University of Montana campus. IT Central provides technology support to UM students, faculty and staff. If you have technology-related questions while you are attending summer orientation, please feel free to drop by our office for help. Specifically we can assist you with setting up campus wireless on your device and configuring your email account on your device. IT Central is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and we are located in Social Science 120. We hope you enjoy your time on campus this summer. (6/16/14)

UM's interactive campus map provides the ability to locate buildings and resources in a intuitive map interface. This map, built by IT-Web Technology Services, was created with a variety of tools and datasets. Access the map at: http://map.umt.edu. Toggle on themes to customize the map view to see wireless access locations, find places to eat, locate accessible entrances and curb cuts, and more. (5/21/14)

In response to the recent Heartbleed security vulnerability, the University of Montana required UM employees to change their NetID passwords by midnight on Monday, April 21.

Beginning April 22, UM employees who did not change their NetID password are required to answer a security question and enter a new password to login to NetID-based services. If you can't remember the answer to your security question, or have not set up a security question, contact IT Central at 243-4357 for assistance.

In response to the recent Heartbleed security vulnerability, the University of Montana is requiring that UM employees change their NetID passwords by midnight on Monday, April 21. We highly recommend that students also change their NetID passwords.

Heartbleed is a vulnerability in software that a majority of secure websites use to encrypt personal and sensitive information in an attempt to secure it. UM did have servers affected by this bug and IT personnel have been scanning and patching UM's computer environment to fix the vulnerability.

Through April 21, employees and students can create a new password by logging into the UM login page at login.umt.edu and selecting "Change Password."

Beginning April 22, employees who have not changed their password will be required to answer a security question and enter a new password to login. If you can't remember the answer to your security question, or have not set up a security question, contact IT Central at 243-4357 for assistance.

If you have changed your password since April 9, no password change is required.

On Wednesday evening, April 9, at approximately 11:00pm Microsoft correct the UMConnect bounce back issue (*see below). Messages sent to UMConnect email addresses (i.e. first.last@umconnect.umt.edu) are now functioning normally and being delivered successfully. We regret this recent Microsoft issue and thank UM members for their patience while the issue was being resolved.

*Wednesday, April 9: The synchronization process for UMConnect and NetID passwords is now complete. This means that UMConnect passwords are now the same as the NetID password. Mobile devices and email clients may prompt for the current password. Students should enter their NetID passwords. PLEASE NOTE: There was an issue that occurred during the synchronization process that’s impacting some UMConnect email delivery. Messages sent to first.last@umconnect.umt.edu are bouncing back to the sender. We have submitted an incident with Microsoft to correct this issue. In the meantime, when sending email messages to students, please use their Umontana aliases (first.last@umontana.edu).

The synchronization process for UMConnect and NetID passwords is now complete. This means that UMConnect passwords are now the same as the NetID password. Mobile devices and email clients may prompt for the current password. Students should enter their NetID passwords.

PLEASE NOTE: There was an issue that occurred during the synchronization process that’s impacting some UMConnect email delivery. During the process Microsoft inadvertently removed the “friendly” UMConnect email address (first.last@umconnect.umt.edu). This means that messages sent to these addresses are bouncing back.

We have submitted an incident with Microsoft to correct this issue. In the meantime, when sending email messages to students, please use their Umontana aliases (first.last@umontana.edu).

Beginning Monday, April 7, IT will synchronize UMConnect and NetID passwords. This means that UMConnect password will always be the same as the NetID password. This allows for easier activation, setup and configuration of UMConnect accounts.

Student Impact: Mobile devices and email clients may prompt for the current password. Students should enter their NetID password.

For assistance please contact IT Central. We are open Mon - Fri, 8a - 5p MDT. You may reach us at 406.243.HELP (x4357), itcentral@umontana.edu or stop by Social Science 120. (4/7/14)

Spring Break 2014 is March 31 - April 4. IT Central will maintain normal operational hours this week (Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 5:00p). We wish UM students safe travels during this week away from campus. If you need technical support while you are away, please don't hesitate to call us at 406-243-HELP (4357).

This is a reminder that the Banner servers will be upgraded to Java 7 Update 51 this Wednesday afternoon, March 26. If you use Banner, please update your computer's Java version by Wednesday for continued user access. If you have problems, contact your departmental technical support staff, or IT Central at 406-243-HELP (4357). Please check the Banner Support website for further information, the Java 7.51 download link, and PC and Mac instructions. As always, we thank you for your assistance. (3/24/14)

UM provides a secure wireless network for students, faculty, and staff. Use your NetID for access. Connect to the wireless network using WPA2 Enterprise. Currently convenience wireless coverage is available across campus. Plans for dense wireless coverage are in progress. Learn more about this campus project at the wireless expansion at UM web page. Visitors to campus can connect to an open guest wireless network. Questions? Contact IT Central at 406-243-HELP (4357), or visit us at Social Science 120.

During university emergency situations, an emergency messaging system is in place that allows university members to receive text notifications from UM on your cell phone. However, you must sign up to receive these messages through CyberBear. Need help? Contact IT Central at 406-243-HELP (4357) and we will gladly assist you.

During a crisis, messages are also sent to all university email accounts; communication is kept up to date on the UM home page; and information is sent through social media outlets including Facebook and our Twitter feed @umontana. (3/3/14)

The recent campus lockdown reminded us all of the importance of communication during a crisis. In the days since the lockdown, university officials have engaged in multiple debriefing sessions, engaging people from across the campus community. We have also received numerous e-mails with suggestions. We are working to further our emergency notification system and overall safety plans as a result.

In the meantime, I urge you to make sure you have arranged to receive emergency text notifications from the UM on your cell phone. To sign up for the texts; log into Cyberbear, click on ‘Personal Information’, and then set your preferences in the ‘Emergency Text Messages’ section. If you need help with this process, please give our support team a ring at extension 4357 (HELP).

During a crisis, messages are also sent to all university e-mail accounts; communication is kept up to date on the UM home page; and information is sent through social media outlets including Facebook and our Twitter feed @umontana.

Communication is a key element in helping the campus through a crisis. We all need to work together to share information during any crisis – and not just through technology. Campus officials will send updates as our emergency plan is improved.

On February 3rd, Central IT made a change to the UMWPA wireless network. This change was made to decrease the complexity of authentication for campus users while also increasing security. As of February 3rd, UMWPA will only accept NetID credentials. It will no longer allow UM-domain (um\first.last) types of authentication nor will it allow GTC connections. In addition, users may be required to accept a new certificate.

If you or your device are impacted by this change, the easiest way to get connected again is to forget the UMWPA network and then reconnect the device leaving the default network authentication in place. Use your NetID and password, and accept any certificate prompts you may receive.

For questions or assistance, please contact IT Central at 406.243.HELP (4357). (2/3/14)

On February 3rd, Central IT will be making a change to the UMWPA wireless network. This change is being made to decrease the complexity of authentication for campus users while also increasing security. The change will make it such that beginning February 3rd, UMWPA will only accept NetID credentials. It will no longer allow UM-domain (um\first.last) type of authentication nor will it allow GTC connections. In addition, users may be required to accept a new certificate.

For any of your users or devices impacted by this change, the easiest way to get connected again is to forget the UMWPA network and then reconnect the device leaving the default network authentication in place. Use your NetID and password, and accept any certificate prompts you may receive.

Central IT has a list of people who are known to be connecting using the UM-domain credentials, and we will try to contact them directly as well as provide departmental IT support staff with list of their impacted users. However, Central IT may not be 100% successful in contacting all impacted users directly. Please be prepared to instruct users on how to change their wireless connection(s) or please direct them to IT Central at 406.243.HELP (4357).

Welcome new students to Spring Semester 2014 at UM! IT Central provides support for UMConnect, the official student email system for UM students. To learn more about UMConnect, please visit our UMConnect web page. Questions may be directed to IT Central, located at Social Science 120, or via phone at 406-243-HELP (4357). Best wishes for an excellent semester! (1-24-14)

UM released an upgrade to Moodle on December 26, 2013 to improve functionality and features. To help you get up to speed with this new version, UMOnline is offering several training courses in January. The course schedule and registration are available on the IT short course training website. Check it out! (1/9/14)